PALM HARBOR, Fla — A Palm Harbor business owner says motorcyclists have turned a strip mall sidewalk into a parking lot.
Diana Griffin owns Fusion Dance Company and says she sees them come up onto the sidewalk 2-3 times a week.
"I’m afraid somebody is going to get hit and that would be a horrible day,” she said.
She put up cameras to keep an eye on the risky behavior. Thursday night, she says a mom and two of her dance students witnessed it first hand.
"She stopped because she thought the motorcyclist was going to park in front of her and he literally drove around her and down the sidewalk,” she said.
Griffin shows ABC Action News multiple text messages and e-mails she’s sent to the property managers about the concern. She’s even spoken to the bikers and businesses they’re going to but says nothing has worked.
"It is a sidewalk! It’s in front of my business and they're pulling in front of my front door and it’s really easy to let your bike get out of control,” she said.
Thursday night the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office showed up after that mom called. Deputies say the bikers apologized and promised to not do it again. They agree motorcycles should not be on the sidewalk.
Griffin says the property owners need to add signs and make sure they’re followed.
"This is a place for children, it’s supposed to be a safe place,” she said. “It’s inappropriate for anything on wheels to be on the same place, it's supposed to be safe for someone to walk on."
We’ve reached out to the property owners to see what they’re plans are moving forward. We’re waiting to hear back.
